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Storm surge

Evacuation
advice during cyclones in the Cairns region is based on storm surge, not wind,
so it's critical to know whether you live in a storm tide surge zone.

Storm
surge is a rise in the ocean level associated with cyclones. It is caused by high winds pushing on the ocean's
surface and lower than normal air pressure from the storm. As a cyclone reaches
the coast, huge winds may whip up the sea and push the dome of water over
low-lying coastal areas. In other words the sea may reach much further inland
than it does during high tide.

If a
storm surge coincides with a high tide the sea can travel even further inland,
up to several kilometres. The damage caused in New York by Hurricane Sandy is a
good example of what can happen when storm surge strikes.

The
height of the surge is strongly influenced by geographic factors such as the
shape of the seabed and coastline, the intensity and angle of approach of the
cyclone to the shore and prevailing currents. The Bureau of Meteorology gives
an advance warning of likely levels if a storm surge is expected, as part of
its tropical cyclone advice and warning system.

There
are three key ways to find out if you are in a storm tide surge zone.

Meter/power box: check the inside of your
meter/power box cover for a storm surge sticker in red, orange or yellow.